Disclaimer: Blah-blah-blah not mine.
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Chapter 5 "Love is in the Air"Ron went to meet up with Bill before the feast started and was looking very tense. Bill tried to console his little brother by reminding him that he knew everything would work out but the boy wasn't anymore reassured.
"I can't do this! You're wrong! I err – I don't like her that way ok? It was a big mistake! I was still sleepy!" he rambled.
"Yeah right! So you were sleepy during the many times you blushed around her too? I don't buy it Ron. Don't deny it,"
"I didn't even realize… I mean, I never thought… If everything goes wrong –"
"Then you'll still be friends right? No worries Ron. Go for it! I have faith in you and her," he said smiling.
"I've never asked a girl out before, well except Fleur but that wasn't the same! Stupid half-Veela! What should I say?" said Ron looking at the time as the brothers sat together in an obscure classroom.
"Fleur? Half-Veela?" Bill asked.
"Nevermind! Bill! What do I say?"
"Well, just be honest. Say: "Hermione, I've been thinking about you a lot and not just as a friend. I like spending time with you and I'd like to be your boyfriend." It's that simple,"
"Simple? That's doesn't sound simple at all! How are you going to go about it?"
"I don't know. I get very inspired when I'm in a tough spot. We'll see,"
But they didn't have much time to continue discussing as footsteps echoed in the outside corridors. The thunderous sound was going down the steps and fading out bit by bit. Bill gave Ron a pat on the back and they both headed to the Great Hall. As they sat down, Bill looked at Acacia at the Hufflepuff table and gave her a wink. The little green-eyed witch smiled sweetly and looked at Christopher in an amicable way. The boy had managed to give half a smile as the headmaster and the other teachers entered. Bill looked attentively at Belladona who was wearing her hair in a ponytail. Bill thought it suited her very nicely. She sat down with the other teachers but for some reason professor Snape and Trelawney were giving her a particularly nasty look. It was rare to have the Divinations teacher there during the feast, let alone the meal times but this time it seemed that the reason for coming was to look at professor Nightshade with a great sense of loathing. Belladona ignored them however as professor Flitwick put his hand on Belladona's shoulder as if to encourage her. Hagrid sat next to her giving her a big smile as professor McGonagall whispered into the Headmaster's ear.
Bill only supposed it had to do with their meeting before the feast that Snape had come to tell Belladona about. After a while, professor Dumbledore stood up and raised his hand in the air to calm the chatter of the students. He then did his usual speech and the food appeared right in front of their eyes. Ron was eating incredibly slowly. Harry looked at him like he was some sort of sickly person he should be gentile with and said:
"Ron? Are you feeling well? You've been acting strange for the last two days,"
"He's right, I've noticed it too. Are you feeling alright Ron?" added Hermione.
To this, boy's cheeks pinked lightly and had then double his eating speed as not to give himself the opportunity to answer. Bill had asked Harry if he could stay and talk a while after the feast. He agreed but still looked at Ron like he was some sort of oddity. Hermione put her hand on Ron's and gave him a concerned look as she asked him again. Ron then told her, while side glancing to Bill, that he'd tell her after they were done eating. Bill smiled at his brother's bravery and sudden ruse while finishing his treacle tart and pumpkin juice. As everything ended Bill pulled Harry away from the two and told him the deal he made with Ron.
"WHAT? Are you SERIOUS?" shouted Harry. "Why didn't Ron tell me about this?"
"The boy can barely stand up straight ever since then and you expect him to tell you that he's in love with one if his best friends?"
"Ok… You've got a point I suppose,"
"So let's make this easier for him and get out of the way,"
"Oh! Well, here's your conquest Bill! I'll leave you to it," said Harry snickering as Belladona stood behind Bill.
"Hello professor! Happy Birthday! I'm sorry I didn't get you a present like everyone else," said Harry.
"Oh, please don't Mr. Potter! I've gotten far too many. You not giving me a gift is a gift in itself. Have you studied for next week's quiz?"
"Yes professor Nightshade. I've studied!"
"Very good! Then you'll be ready I presume?"
"Yes. I'm certain!"
Harry bid them goodnight and walked away as Belladona looked at him sweetly. Bill was horrified! It was her birthday and he had totally forgotten! What was he going to do?
Meanwhile, Ron had brought Hermione to a quiet spot in the castle faraway from prying eyes. The brown haired girl looked at him continually perplexed. Ron began to pace around the same spot quickly like he was waiting for something to happen.
"Ron? What's going on? Why did you bring me here and what do you have to tell me?"
"W-w-well… What I have to… t-t-tell y-you is –"
"You're starting to sound like Quirrell Ron," she said with a smile.
"Well… see… eh… the thing is that…I've been thinking…. about a lot of things with you – I mean about you – I mean…because you're like more than my friend… and I like spending time with you… No! I mean –"
"What are you talking about?" she said a bit upset.
"CRIPES! I can't do it! I'm sorry I brought you here for nothing!"
"OUT OF THE WAY!!!" shouted a little black-haired anomaly as she burst out of nowhere and bumped into Ron pushing him frontward. He accidentally pushed Hermione against the wall as he lay pressed against her. His hands stopped himself from squishing her completely but their two faces were very close to each other, as he looked at her dazedly. She did the same, not making any effort to move out of their position and locked eyes with him. A sudden silence filled the room, as they stood there with only the sound of their breaths as the sun was setting in the window next to them.
Acacia continued running, with a laugh and a smile, to Christopher who was waiting near an entrance. He looked at her and asked:
"Did it work?"
"I think so! Bill was right! Ron just needed a little push!" she said giggling.
"Acacia you're evil!" he said smiling.
"I know! We should go and tell Bill! It was his idea after all,"
"Yeah," he said as they both ran off looking for yet another redhead.
***
Bill was searching through his thoughts while he was searching through his pockets. He then remembered about his medallion. That was the only decent thing he could think of offering her so he walked over and looked kindly at her.
"You look nice tonight," he said smoothly.
"Ah… thank you," she said looking a side, her long black hair whipping around to rest on her shoulder.
"I… didn't get you a present but… well, I thought that you could use this," he said as he showed her the golden item.
"Oh! Oh, no I couldn't!" she said.
"Please, this medallion brings protection and luck. It always has for me. I want you to be careful with this - this creature lurking about,"
"But… it looks like you've gotten this in a dig! It's Egyptian! I can't!"
"Please? I feel bad not giving you anything, especially since you've become one of my favorite people,"
"Bill I can't… You're so bull-headed," she said smiling.
"So are you! But you're also kind, strong, intelligent and beautiful, the latter was obvious but the more I got to know you the more I knew that my first impression of you was right anyways,"
"And what was that?" she said looking at him coyly.
"That you're an angel,"
Belladona was rendered speechless as Bill looked at her honestly. He went near her and slipped on the medallion by subtly putting his arms around her neck. As he was about to breathe out his thoughts, Acacia came running down the hall and stopped very suddenly at the sight of the pair. Bill's arms were still lingering around her neck. Acacia looked at Christopher who just shrugged unknowingly. She then shyly poked Bill on his sides.
"Err… I don't mean to interrupt but… mission accomplished Bill," she said looking sort of embarrassed.
"Oh, really? What happened?" he asked as Bella eyed him suspiciously.
"Well, he was stumbling all over his words and was going to give up! I took that as a sign! So I rammed into them and just left! I think it did some good though," she said now smiling more.
"Well, that's good. I hope everything goes well for them,"
"Yeah! Well, that will be 5 galleons please!"
"What? You never said I had to pay?" said Bill surprised.
"Well, after you told on me about the present thing, Bella made me give back all the money I got! And I was this close to getting the Firebolt if I added it to my savings!"
"Wow! You made a lot of money!"
"Hold on!" said Belladona. "Whom are you talking about? What mission?"
"I well…" she began then spoke to Bill. "I'll forget about it this time Bill!" she said winking. "I'm going to the common room now! Are you going too Christopher?"
"Oh, yeah," he said as he gave Bill a strange look which was neither sad nor curious but somewhere in between.
"Ok! Let's go! Happy birthday sis! I left you a present in your memory box! Goodnight!" she said merrily as she ran off.
Bill looked at Belladona contently as he thought about the pretty little box she had in her office. It had emanated rock music that Bill figured could only be from a concert that Bella had attended and was sure that it was a well kept happy memory. He then looked at her and was determined not to let anyone interrupt this time.
"Bella, I was wondering if… well, if you'd like to go out sometime. Let's say during the week-ends?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" she said realizing what was happening.
"Well, you know how I feel about you. I have made myself clear. I just hoped you might feel the same way about me," he said softly.
"Bill, I -" she said looking into his eyes.
"If the answer is no, then it's alright. I love just spending time with you but -"
"I… I'll… I'll answer you later… I don't know when I will answer you b-but I will," she said looking nervous.
"It's ok. Take your time. I just want an answer," he said as his gaze became caring.
"Thank you Bill. It's getting late… I better go. I – eh – still have a class to prepare for. Well… goodbye," she said faintly as she turned about.
Bill could only stare as she left the hall quickly. He sighed deeply and was a bit upset. He was sure that she'd say yes, he'd seen it in her eyes! However, he was still content with this answer. At least now she had heard him say it. He secretly wished that this way he could make up for the lost time with her, the time he could have enjoyed with her instead of Sandra… who he remembered had dumped him during the ball.
The following days were a blur to Bill as he waited patiently for her response. He had also gotten the impression that Ron and Hermione's meeting at Halloween had been a success as the glances between them became more and more intense, frequent and longer lived. Ron had assured Bill and Harry that he didn't ask her out. However, they both knew that something must have happened because when they sat next to each other or got close to touching each other, they both became crimson. The weekend had passed and it was Monday yet again. The three 5th years had gone to their Dark Arts class; ready for the quiz however, only two came back. Bill sat in the common room with Fred and George as Hermione and Ron returned to the tower.
"Hello… where's Harry?" said Fred.
"Well, we did our quizzes and Harry apparently scored very low. Professor Nightshade asked him to meet with her after classes to discuss it," said Hermione who was standing at least 5 feet away from Ron.
"Well that's weird. I heard him tell her that he was ready for it and I would have thought Harry to be the best at these sort of things," stated Bill.
"Well, apparently he wasn't. He barely scored a 40, we were all really surprised! Especially with the way I've been tutoring him in between Quidditch practices," said Ron who now suddenly seemed to be the expert in Dark Arts.
Harry had eventually returned to the common room before the next class to get his things ready. Ron and Hermione had questioned him on his meeting with professor Nightshade but he told them that she just said that he should be studying harder and if he'd like, she could tutor him.
***
Bill sat around the dorms and common room gazing out at the furniture or ceiling. There wasn't much for him to do until tomorrow, when he'd be venturing the caves with Bella but even the exciting thought of a cavern exploration didn't lift up his spirits. Fred and George looked very surprised at Bill's sudden loss of drive and went to their classes. Bill had decided that maybe he shouldn't stress himself too much and try to find a way to relax. He then recalled hearing about a teacher's bathroom with a big tub (and heard it was more luxurious the Prefect's bathroom) and decided to head there after lunchtime.
During lunch he would stare at the teacher's table to try to make, at the very least, eye contact with Bella but she would often stare at her food. She hadn't been very talkative since that night and Bill thought it was sweet how shy she could become but it seemed that the twins though otherwise. Before they left the great hall Bill had seen the two boys confront Belladona on his way to the teacher's bathroom.
"Listen Bella, this isn't like before. Bill was younger and an idiot. He really likes you and if you don't say yes to his question than he'll keep whining and moping in our dorm and drive Fred and I MAD!"
"I'm sorry but it is my decision after all…" she said.
"Yes, but make it soon. It's too weird to see Bill this love struck!" said Fred.
Belladona was surprised to hear this and said: Well, I better go… I only have one break you know…" and dashed off at a quick pace.
Bill took an opposite corridor, went to get his things in the Gryffindor tower and slowly headed towards his destination. His thoughts were still a blur but he felt that the bath would do him some good. As he opened the door quietly he could hear a sound. It seemed like there were people already in there, two people talking about something. As he opened the door he could hear who was. It was Belladona and, as it would seem, the Grey Lady. They sat on a sofa next to the wall of the bathroom. Bill blushed as he peeked in to see that Belladona was wearing nothing but a towel around her and had one in a turban wrap to keep her hair from falling. He would stare at her until he began to look down on her legs. He then saw something that looked like a bite mark. Bill then returned his attention to the conversation and listened in.
"So what do you think? I'm sorry that I always come to you with dilemmas like these but you're the only one I feel comfortable telling," said Belladona.
"There is no need to apologize my dear… however; I see no dilemma in this at all. Isn't this what you've always wanted? You had admired him for so long and now that he's returned and shown interest in you, you don't seem happy about it."
"Well… I'm afraid. What if he finds out?"
"Miss Nightshade, if he likes you for who you are, it doesn't matter what he finds out about you. He had never had the chance to really meet you or get to know you before now. There's no way to know that he'll turn-tail at what he discovers," she said as she crossed the blanched fingers of her hands.
"I… I know… I'm just scared of what might happen if –"
"You mustn't dwell on what might happen. Just give him a try. If I recall the eldest Weasley boys were very handsome too. Doesn't that give the will to at least try?" said the grey ghost as she played with the end of the couch, making her hand go through the material.
Bella laughed timidly as she stared at the water covered in blue, yellow and pink bubbles. Bill then saw through the crack of the open door that Belladona was walking towards the pool-like tub as the Grey Lady floated over to sit on the rims. Should he wait till she was in? "No! That's very un-gentleman like!" he thought while slowly opening the door. Bella look stunned by Bill's arrival and Grey Lady simply sat there with a curious face.
"I… err… I'm sorry for interrupting… I had planned on taking a bath too…" said Bill.
"Oh – Well – um – I won't be long Bill… I -"
"THAT'S Bill Weasley!" gasped the Grey Lady as she flew in for a better look that this intruder.
As he entered, the Gray Lady circled around him a few times and then placed her transparent hand on her chin with a bright smile. She then, glided back to Belladona and whispered in her ear: "Go for it! I would if I were alive… I'd try even if I'm dead!" Belladona's eyes widened and she flushed yet again as the ghost looked at Bill satisfied. She then curtsied and disappeared through the wall.
"What was that all about?" asked Bill.
"Err... nothing I guess…" she said still very uncomfortable with her wardrobe or lack there of.
"Well… would you mind sharing it with me? The tub I mean."
"What?" she said horrified.
"Well… there are so many bubbles in here you can't see a thing anyways so…" he said trying to act as mature as possible.
"I…well…" she muttered.
"Well, at least I won't be long. You can sit there and wait. I'll just take a very quick dip. I know how girls like long baths,"
"I… err… I'll wait…" she said finally.
"Okay," he said as he proceeded to remove his jacket and shirt.
Bill unbuttoned his shirt and revealed a decently muscular torso. Although he was thin he had nice arms and wide shoulders. Belladona saw that he had a few scratches on his elbows and arms; probably cause from going down catacombs, caves and tunnels. He then proceeded to undress his lower half but before he began, he asked Belladona if she didn't mind turning around. To this spun around so quickly that she must have gotten whiplash! She heard the clunk of his belt and boots fall on the floor and soon after a little splash. She turned around to find him sighing as he sank into the water. Belladona giggled at his re-action as she dipped her feet into the water.
"This is heavenly! And I even have my angel here beside me…" he said. "Oh. Sorry! I shouldn't be saying things like that…"
Belladona just smiled.
"Say, where did you get that bite on your leg?" asked looking at an uncovered thigh.
"HEY! Don't be looking at me there!!" she said.
"Oh! Well…" he said nervously.
"It's just a bite I got when I was traveling around for some… 'hands-on' experience… before…before becoming a teacher. As I was traveling the countryside, a hunting dog thought I was an intruder and bit me! Foul mutt! He nearly took my leg off! I used a spell on him to make him stop."
"Sounds painful," said Bill.
"It was…" she trailed off. " I can sometimes still feel it pulsing…"
They were very quiet for a long time until there was a sudden knock on the door.
"Is everyone decent? May I come in?"
Bill quickly took a breath and dove under the bubbles. He didn't know if he had permission to be there. He wasn't a student but he wasn't a teacher either. Belladona saw the dive and walked back to fetch a robe that lay under her clothes. She tied it quickly and replied to the stranger that they could enter.
It was professor Sprout. She saw Belladona and smiled.
"Well, Miss Nightshade, I came here just tell you that the teachers will be having another meeting in about 3 weeks. I just got word,"
"Thank you professor," she said looking at the air bubbles in an un-soapy part of the bath.
"Yes. We have to get everything straightened out soon… and tell Mr. Weasley when he gets out of the water that we don't mind him using the facilities here," she said looking at his mound of clothes on the floor and at the air bubbles.
"I'll tell him," said Belladona laughing.
As the boy emerged gasping for air the witch leaned over to tell him that there was no need for it. Bill looked exhausted and shook his head sending droplets of water all around and strained the water from his ponytail. Belladona walked over to a changing room and put her clothes back on as Bill went to do the same. After being fully dressed, they both had gone to open the door when Bill stopped Bella.
"Err… there's nothing that you want to tell me Bella?" he said.
"Ah… No. Why do you ask?"
"Never mind…" he said as they both exited room and walking in opposite directions.
As Bill walked down the hall, his hair still wet, he saw Ron and Hermione talking to each other. He began to walk closer but stopped the moment he saw Ron lean over and kiss her! Both their cheeks had become very rosy as they stood, lips locked and eyes closed. Bill didn't know what to do. He couldn't disturb them but he couldn't turn around either because he didn't want to meet with Bella in the halls just yet. He decided to wait until they were finished and stood behind a statue. "The RAT!" he thought. "He said he didn't ask her out… Man, being out staged by my little brother is very embarrassing!" Hermione and Ron had separated as they both opened their eyes. The two looked like they were trying to force their smiles to disappear without success. Finally Hermione spoke up.
"I… I guess this means…" she said blushing.
"Yeah… I'm glad though, aren't you?" Ron whispered.
"I… I didn't expect it… but I did… I… yes… I'm glad," she said smiling beautifully.
"Should we tell Harry about this?" asked Ron.
"I don't know… sure, I guess…" she said as she looked to her side.
Ron got closer to Hermione and hugged her gently. He caressed her hair and made his hand slide down to touch her face. He then, lifted her chin and kissed her again. His hand had left her face as he held her by the waist. Hermione put her hand on his chest and felt his heart beating very rapidly. Bill was proud of his brother but jealous none the less. He figured that Belladona should be gone by now and walked in the direction from which he came. The day passed by quickly afterwards and had become Tuesday. Ron and Hermione had officially told Harry and Bill exclusively about their special news. Bill smiled and Harry still couldn't believe it was happening.
"So, how did it happen exactly?" asked Bill now very curious and, sadly, hoping to pick up some pointers.
"Well… it sort of happened," said Ron.
"Well, Acacia came running down and knocked Ron forward and… we were so close that… that…" Hermione said shyly.
"You kissed?" added Bill.
"Well… yes…" she said shyly. "I didn't know what to think at first… I thought that maybe it was just the moment, you know. I was confused but Ron and I agreed that there was only one way to find out if it meant anything…"
"A second kiss," said Bill smiling.
Ron eyes slimmed themselves as he looked at Bill suspiciously.
"Were you eves dropping Bill?" Ron asked Bill as Hermione gave him a surprised look.
"No. It was just a guess!" he said looking at Harry who didn't seem to believe a word he was saying.
"Anyways… it doesn't matter! Come on Ron, we've got Divinations today," said Harry.
"Ah, do we have to go? Trelawney is worse then EVER this year! She keeps telling us of a horrible danger or evil that roams our classes or corridors and, for some reason, didn't say that Harry would die from it!" he told everyone.
"You've got to go to class Ron. Remember about the O.W.L.s?" said Hermione looking at him sweetly.
"Yeah, I guess so…" he said after staring into her brown eyes.
"Oh dear, I am going to have to see this all the time from now on?" whispered Harry to Bill.
"Sorry Harry but it is all part of the curse."
"The curse?"
"Yep… when two friends friend get together the other has to support them... even through this stuff," said Bill smiling.
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A/N: I'll probably stop posting for reviews now. lol. I'll just post when I think a chapter is ready.
